Grace Moore

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Grace Moore who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Grace was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Grace knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Grace was born on March 9, 1964 at home in Sao Miguel, Azores. Her parents were Isaias and Beatriz Medeiros. Grace was raised in Sao Miguel, Azores and Toronto/Mississauga, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Grace learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Grace was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Grace was raised with two siblings. She had 2 younger sisters, Bella and Goretti. Grace had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Grace, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Grace's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Grace enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Grace took part in soccer, tennis and baseball. In her spare time she liked teen magazines and following the royal family.

      In school, Grace was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Grace was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Grace’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from St. Joseph Commercial High School in 1982. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was typing. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. McDonugh. She will be remembered by her love to play crazy eights and euker.

      Grace’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Grace’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Grace saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her college diploma in the law clerk program. Her favorite courses were law and real estate.

      Grace was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Grace was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Grace came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Tony Cabral, Maria Arruda and Maria Botelho. Later in life, she became friends with Sue Wood, Antonella Diachenko and Regina Hutchinson.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Grace reveled in the security of her family. On September 5, 1987 Grace exchanged wedding vows with Gary Moore at the Christ the king church of Mississauga, Ontario. One of Grace’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Grace was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Grace would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Grace was blessed with three children, two sons, Andrew and Christopher and one daughter, Jennifer.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Grace was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Grace was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Grace upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was a law clerk and accounting clerk. She was employed for 7 years as a law clerk and 12 years as a children's aid accounting clerk. Grace was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Grace approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were watching her children's hockey and lacrosse games, keeping up with the royal family, and reading her favourite magazines. Grace was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Grace to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Grace played volleyball and ran track. Recreational sports included bowling, walking and going to the gym. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey and tennis.

      A civic-minded person, Grace was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Grace was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Clarington Toros and the Lacrosse Green Gales. During these years, Grace applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Grace used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Grace had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii.

      Grace was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Grace’s favorites was Lola, a Beagle. They were best friends for 3-4 years. Her family was rounded out by her snoopie (deceased).

       She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to Bowmanville, Ontario. In many ways, Grace loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Grace passed away on July 26, 2013 at Lakeridge Health Corporation in Bowmanville, Ontario. She fought a brave and courageous battle against colon cancer. She is survived by her husband Gary, two sons, Andrew and Christopher, and daughter Jennifer. Services were held at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church in Courtice, Ontario. Grace was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that Grace was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Grace Moore did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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MOORE, Grace – at Lakeridge Health Corporation, Bowmanville on Friday July 26, 2013 at the age of 49. Beloved wife of Gary. Loving mother of Andrew, Christopher and Jennifer. Dear sister of Bella Manos and Goretti DaSilva. Grace will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews. Resting at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1587 Highway #2, Courtice (905-432-8484) where the family will receive friends on Sunday July 28th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 3800 Courtice Rd. N., Courtice on Monday July 29th at 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated.